AC Milan is gearing up for a decisive encounter against Dinamo Zagreb on January 29, 2025, at Stadion Maksimir, hoping to secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The urgent quest for victory follows their recent league success, which lifted them to sixth place after overcoming Parma with two last-minute goals.
Despite the high stakes, Milan faces significant challenges heading to Croatia. Coach Sergio Conceicao announced he will be without several key players due to suspensions and injuries. Defender Davide Calabria is suspended, and he joins other absentees including Alessandro Florenzi, Malick Thiaw, Emerson Royal, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who remain sidelined due to injury. This situation may force Conceicao to make tactical adjustments, potentially slotting Fikayo Tomori at right-back, alongside centre-backs Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic. The midfield duo is expected to feature Youssouf Fofana and American Yunus Musah, with Tijjani Reijnders as the attacking midfielder supporting strikers Alvaro Morata and Rafael Leao.
For AC Milan, the path to advancing is clear: win this group stage match to avoid playoffs. Following their strong showing against Girona, Milan's players are arriving with morale high. Having previously beaten both RB Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava, the team is aiming for consecutive victories away from home—a feat not accomplished since 2000.
On the other side, Dinamo Zagreb, led by renowned coach Fabio Cannavaro, is also pushing for victory. They sit just two points off the last playoff spot and need the win to keep their Champions League dreams alive. Cannavaro has inherited the position after two managerial changes this season, and he’s under pressure to deliver results following recent inconsistent performances, including their last outing, which ended with a rout at the hands of Arsenal.
Talking about the match, Cannavaro said, "It’s too early to be making calculations. We're only focusing on our upcoming opponents and this game, which is as Vital for them as it is for us." His side is entering the match with some difficulties: they have been unable to score for three consecutive Champions League games and have struggled immensely at home, winning just once out of their last five tries.
The Croatian giants are known for their unpredictable attacking play; Cannavaro emphasized this style when he stated, "A football where it’s not possession counts, but intensity." With key players like Sandro Kulenovic, who has been their chief goal threat, and the talented winger Marko Pjaca, Dinamo hopes to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Milan defense.
Historically, Milan holds the upper hand against Dinamo Zagreb. The Rossoneri have won all six previous encounters. This includes their most recent Champions League group stage matches, where they dominated with a 4-0 victory away from home, showcasing their attacking prowess with goals from various players. They also have the confidence of having never lost to the Croatian club, setting the stage for what Milan hopes will be another comprehensive display.
Both teams are aware of the implications tied to this match. A loss for Milan could mean potential playoff matches, complicatively extending their European campaign, whereas Dinamo cannot afford to lose if they intend to keep their qualification hopes alive. Cannavaro also remarked on the relentless threat posed by Leao, saying, "Leao is everyone’s bugbear. If he’s motivated he can always make the difference. If he has plenty of space, with his elegant running, he’ll burn you in one-on-one situations." With such praise, the onus is now on Milan's captain to deliver one of his best performances on the European stage.
This fixture promises to be more than just another match day; it's about securing futures. Milan wants to cement their status and remain within the elite of European football, one where they can compete for silverware and uphold their legacy, as Cannavaro noted, "Milan has the Champions League in its DNA." With this underlining tension, the match on January 29 is set not only to be thrilling but pivotal for both clubs involved.